"On the stage of interior design, walls are generally bit players. Painted white, covered with wallpaper or used as a neutral backdrop for art, they support the real stars of the room - the furnishings. One way for walls to play a larger role is to cover them with murals - colorful, grand, splashy scenes - that infuse a given space with an imaginative, exciting sense of drama...

It is doubtful that muralist of old, such as Porter, had much use for cartoon characters. Leslie Zwerling, of Kidteriors says "I'd rather do an original graphic. It's so much more interesting." Zwerling, a sculptor-turned muralist, specializes in children's murals, has captured enchanted castles, fanciful rainbows and pink elephants with paint...Surprisingly, children often have a great deal of input in determining what goes on the walls. One 6-year old boy requested an underwater motif and named all the fish he wanted to fill it. "I had to go out and find pictures of whales, tuna, and squid before I could get started," said Zwerling with a smile. "A lot of the time I'm the oldest one in the children's reading room at the New York Public Library!"

"Leslie has contributed much to our House artistically, as well as through her warmth and dedication to our families. Her wall decorations have enhanced several prominent rooms in the House. They are colorful and cheerful as well as interesting to look at...We feel sure that Leslie will add much to whatever environment she works in, because of her warmth as well as her artistic talent."

- Nancy Tongue, House manager
Ronald McDonald House

"This is to recommend to you to Ms. Leslie Zwerling who has recently completed a unique art project in this hospital in designing and painting ceiling tiles in our treatment rooms.

Our objective in planning the hospital environment at the children's hospital has been to humanize the health care of patients. We feel strongly that each child must be seen within the concept of his or her developmental needs, that familiar surroundings which are welcoming, comforting, and supportive can enhance recovery and lessen emotional reactions. .In working closely with other health team members and volunteers, Ms. Zwerling established good working relations with all of us who thought very highly of her, and her contribution to patient care.

Indeed, I would highly recommend her for similar projects in other hospitals."

- Joan M. Chan, Director, Child Life Program
Schneider Children's Hospital
Long Island Jewish Medical Center

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